Fergie's Tech Blog

Wal-Mart Employees Expose Terror Cell's Bulk Phone Purchase

Evan Blass writes over on Engadget:

ABC News is reporting on several incidents around the country wherein retail employees have been notifying local and federal authorities about bulk prepaid cellphone purchases (which, as in the 2004 Madrid train bombings, can be used as detonators). After the December 18th purchase of some 60 prepaid handsets by six individuals, Midland, TX Wal-Mart employees decided to call the local po-po, who turned the case over to the Feds when the men began acting suspiciously in custody.

The six were later linked to a Metroplex-based sleeper cell, although their current status and whereabouts are unknown. A similar case at a California Target store (man buys 150 cheapo prepaids) turned out to be on the level- the buyer was just purchasing the handsets for legitimate resale.

posted by Fergie @ 1/14/2006 11:34:00 AM